7 Facts You Must Know About Rectal Bleeding

The rectum is the last portion of the large bowel that ends just before the anus.Bleedingfrom this area can be mild or serious, even life-threatening. The presence of rectal bleeding must be carefully checked because it indicates something is wrong.

Rectal bleeding is frequently noticed as maroon stools, bright red blood on or in the stool, blood on the toilet tissue, or blood staining the toilet bowl water red. Bleeding from further up in the gastrointestinal tract results in black, tarry stools. Depending on the source of bleeding (which may be from any part of the gastrointestinal tract), treatment can range from relief of symptoms toantibiotics, blood transfusion, or surgery. It is important to locate the source of rectal bleeding so that appropriate treatment can be started and fix the cause of the problem.

. Anorectal disorders are the most common causes of minor rectal bleeding

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen rectal veins in the anal and rectal area. They can cause burning, painful discomfort, and bleeding.

Anal fissure:This is a tear in the lining of the rectum caused by the passage of hard stools.

Infection:Bacterial dysentery is commonly the source of infectious, bloodydiarrhea.

Inflammation:Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a common cause of rectal bleeding.

Bleeding in adults, typically younger than 50 years of age.

Two common types of IBD include Crohn’s disease andulcerative colitis.

Bleeding occurs in small to moderate amounts of bright red blood in the rectum, usually mixed in with stool and mucus. Associated symptoms include fever and cramping, stomach pain.

Admission to the hospital is not required. However, bowel rest and steroid therapy are usually indicated for treatment.